To put it mildly, these are interesting times for Saab. While critics question the future of GM's premium Euro brand, the Swedish automaker has commenced the biggest new-product rollout in its history. Latest to arrive is the 9-3 SportCombi, a front-drive car/wagon/semi-crossover that resurrects Saab's hatchback heritage in a most nontraditional way. Seen as the firm's future worldwide sales leader, the SportCombi lineup will be anchored here by a 210-horsepower four-cylinder turbo 2.0T model. But the big news is a six-cylinder engine that powers the Aero variants we drove. Developed by Saab, this first turbocharged application of The General's 2.8-liter "global" DOHC V-6 makes an energetic 250 horses and gives the 9-3 family an overdue competitive boost.
A 9-3 sedan from the B-pillar forward, the SportCombi's more adventurous profile melds a gracefully arched roofline, steeply raked backlight, and unified greenhouse treatment with distinctive LED "ice lights." The upper elements will change from white to red for our market, but the subtle spoiler stays as is: a stabilizing influence that helps this slick Saab maintain zero lift forces at front and rear axles.
Smooth, quick response and near-perpetual enthusiasm make the Aero's turbocharged/intercooled six an ideal partner for either the six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed Sentronic manumatic. Although power peaks at 5500 rpm, variable timing on the intake valves keeps the maximum 258 pound-feet of torque on hand from 2000 to 4500 revs. With structural rigidity almost equal to the sedan's and the same confidently supple chassis tune, the SportCombi carves up corners with similar brio. Torque squirm is minimal, and Saab's progressive ESP stability and traction-control programming discreetly but effectively oversees dynamic proceedings, abetted by ABS binders with electronic brake force distribution and cornering brake control.
The SportCombi's cabin is classic 9-3, from comfortable, supportive front buckets to center-stack switchgear that's still way too busy. Its 60/40-split rear bench is scaled for three kids or two adults, and flipping the backs forward creates a 45.0-cubic-foot bay easily accessed by a large, one-piece aluminum liftgate.
Too soon to tell whether this Saab story will have a happy ending, but at $26,900 for a 2.0T and $32,900 in Aero spec, the 9-3 SportCombi has the charm and the chops to beguile Trollhaettan true believers--and likely quite a few others now considering anything from an Audi A4 Avant to a Volvo V50.